Missouri property crimes cover many offenses. Theft. Burglary. Vandalism. Arson. Each is a potential jail sentence, fine, or both. If arrested, your attorney will be your best protector. Here’s what you can look for.
What Is a Property Crime?
A property crime is a crime against property that hurts or takes someone else’s property. You don’t have to be injured in order for it to be a property crime.
They are:
- Theft or stealing
- Burglary
- Shoplifting
- Arson
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Property damage
Missouri law considers these to be felonies or misdemeanors based on what you did, how much damage occurred, and whether you are a repeat offender. Even a minor property offense can haunt you for life. It can follow you into work, housing, and school. That’s why the role of your attorney is so big.
What Your Criminal Defense Attorney Will Do
1. Examine the Arrest Circumstances
Your attorney reviews how you were taken into custody. Did police follow rules? If not, some of the evidence can be discarded. That may make the charges against you weaker. They’ll also ask you if you were legally searched. If not, your rights could have been violated.
2. Break Down the Charges
People don’t really know what their charge is. Your lawyer explains it to you in plain English. They tell you what can be done to you if you’re convicted and what the state needs to prove. You’ll discover what each and every word of the charge is. It’s step one in fighting it.
3. Obtain Evidence for You
Your traffic defense attorney in Kansas City collects evidence to prove your account. This could be:
- Camera evidence
- Witness accounts
- Alibis
- Police files
They can hire private investigators or professional witnesses. Strong evidence weakens the case to attack.
4. Find Legal Faults
Every case has a flaw. Your lawyer looks for mistakes in the paperwork, timeline, or policing. These holes can lead to the charges being dropped or lower sentences. Sometimes, police do not read you your rights. Or they lose the chain of evidence. Your lawyer finds these loopholes.
5. Negotiate with Prosecutors
Most cases resolve on plea bargains. Your lawyer negotiates with the prosecutor to give you a better deal. This can include:
- No jail time
- Lower fines
- Fewer counts
Your lawyer may negotiate community service or a class instead of jail. Bargains can protect your record and your future.
6. Fight It Out In Court If Necessary
If no accord is reached, your lawyer stands up for you in court. He will:
- Interrogate witnesses
- Question evidence
- Speak to the jury
He can also call experts to explain your side. A quality lawyer knows how to address a jury and analyze the facts.
How Missouri Deals with Property Crimes
Misdemeanors
These are minor offenses. They typically entail:
- Damage of less than $750
- Stealing a minor item from a shop
- Graffiti that is minor
Punishment: up to 1 year in county jail, up to $2,000 fines. Misdemeanors may not be a big deal, but they’re on your record. That can affect jobs and housing.
Felonies
These are more serious. These are:
- Burglary
- Arson
- Stealing over $750
Punishment: years in prison, large fines, and a lifetime criminal record. A felony can take away your right to vote or own a weapon. It can make it hard to find a job or housing.
Why You Should Get an Attorney Right Away
Time is critical. The sooner your lawyer starts working, the more chances there are. A competent lawyer can:
- Avoid charges from being filed
- Negotiate for you with police
- Keep you from saying something you may regret
Attorneys are also able to negotiate a diversion program. Diversion programs will prevent you from obtaining a record.
How Attorneys Build a Good Case
Read the Police Report
Was it well written? Are there holes in the story? Your lawyer is going to read every word.
Occasionally the report has errors in time, place, or names. Those are valuable information.
Interview Witnesses
They will ask witnesses what they know or saw. If someone tells them you weren’t there, that is helpful. They might also find someone the police did not interview. Every testimony counts.
Go to the Crime Scene
Attorneys will go to the location where the crime took place. They look for evidence the police missed. Lights, cameras, or a sign can be a difference maker. What looks one way on paper seems different in person.
Learn about the Law
They will review past cases. This builds an intelligent strategy. Each case has its own tale, but previous choices direct what is happening today.
Prepare You for Court
Your lawyer gets you dressed and speaks the proper way. They let you know what to do and how to stay cool. They may even drill, questioning you. Rehearsal makes court less scary.
Common Defenses Used
Misidentification
Sometimes the wrong person gets blamed. Your lawyer will prove that it was not you. This often happens in crimes committed in a rush, in the dark, or in crowded places.
No Intent to Steal or Harm
If you did not mean to take or harm something, that’s okay.
Intent plays a big role in what the court thinks of what you did.
You Had Permission
You could not be committing a crime if you had permission from the owner to be there or to take something. This happens quite frequently with fistfights between friends, roommates, or family.
Evidence Was Taken Wrongly
If police were given incorrect orders when gathering evidence, it can’t be used in court. This is illegal searches, failure to have warrants, or mis-handled evidence.
What If You Get Convicted?
- You might go to jail.
- You might be fined.
- You might get probation.
- You might be made to do community service.
You might lose your job or home as well. If you’re a student, school support might be removed. But a good lawyer can reduce those penalties. They may arrange for you to receive treatment, classes, or other help.
What to Do Right Away After an Arrest
- Be silent. Don’t talk to the police without an attorney.
- Request an attorney immediately.
- Don’t sign anything before you get legal help.
- Comply. Don’t fight or resist.
- Ask someone you trust to help you find an attorney.
Don’t post about your case on the internet. Social media can be used against you.
FAQs About Missouri Property Crimes
1. Will I be sent to prison for shoplifting under $100?
Yes. Burglaries of small things are crimes too. You can go to jail for a year.
2. Suppose I have no record?
First-time criminals most often get lighter sentences. Your lawyer can ask for probation or a plea agreement.
3. Can I wipe a property crime from my record?
Sometimes. Missouri allows expungement of some crimes after a period of time. Expungement is when the public can no longer access your record. But time and paperwork are involved.
4. Do I require an attorney if I will merely plead guilty?
Yes. An attorney can get you a better deal or lower your sentence. They can spot problems in the case that can help you.
5. What if I didn’t know I was doing something wrong?
Ignorance doesn’t necessarily keep you out of trouble. But your attorney can use it to your advantage. They may justify what you have done and ask for mercy based on your intention.
Final Thought
If you are accused of a property crime in Missouri, do not wait. An experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer can explain the law to you, protect your rights, and fight for your liberty. The earlier you do something, the better options you will have. Do not do it alone. Seek help and protect your future.
